Remarks: John Adams, who graduated from Harvard University, served as the second President of the United States from 1797 to 1801. An important political philosopher, he also served in the First and Second Congresses, was a diplomat to France and Holland, and was Vice-President for two terms under George Washington. He once remarked, "people and nations are forged in the fires of adversity". - Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/ja2.html